Lander Blue Turquoise Double Pendant Necklace [SOLD]

In addition to its unique beauty, Lander Blue turquoise has a fascinating backstory. In 1973, a blackjack dealer named Rita Hapgood was picnicking with her family along Indian Creek in the Crescent Valley area of Nevada. She picked up a few blue nuggets along the creek.  After realizing her find was valuable, she made a claim on the site. She named the claim after her mother and later sold it for $10,000. The site was adjacent to The Lander Ranch, hence, the name Lander Blue. Interestingly, the strike was referred to as a “hat mine,” a term used to describe deposits of turquoise so small they could be covered with a hat. Given that the strike was so small and the grade of turquoise so high, it is not surprising that Lander Blue turquoise is considered to be the most valuable on the market today.

This mid-century pendant contains two exquisite pieces of Lander Blue turquoise of approximately 27 carats total. The stones  consist of a fine, black spider web matrix above a deep blue background. Each triangular shaped cabochon was set snugly in a straight-edged silver bezel and then placed in a classic shadowbox frame. One stone hangs vertically from the other by a single hand-formed link. The setting is elegant and classic, the silver frame showcasing the compelling beauty of the stunning turquoise.  It is unusual that the artist who made this piece did not sign it as the Lander Blue stones are so rare. The pendant dangles on a chain of handmade silver beads.

Condition: The Lander Blue Turquoise Double Pendant Necklace is in excellent condition. The beads on the chain have residue of silver polish that could be buffed off.

Provenance: The pendant comes out of a large Native American art collection from the Pacific Northwest.

Recommended Reading: Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry by Diana Pardue